MWFL: Storm detonate Xplosion

Make that two straight.

The Saint John Afterburn Storm were victorious for the second straight game this past weekend as the team defeated the Halifax Xplosion 34-7 in their home opener last weekend.

The Storm moves to 2-0 on the season while the Xplosion slip to 0-2.

The following are game recaps provided by both teams:

POSTGAME RECAP FROM SJ AFTERBURN STORM:

The Afterburn Storm chose to put their defense on the field first and kicked off deep into Xplosion territory where on the second play Kait Kirk caused and recovered a fumble on the Halifax 6 yard line. The Storm offense took charge with Kaitlynn Girouard punching it in for a TD. Maygun Mullett converted.

In the second quarter Lori Boyles tore up the field on a 65 yard run and Mullett converted for a 14-0 lead. Halifax would not lay down and drove the field and scored on a 12 yard pass with the kick skimming the crossbar to make it 14-7. The Storm answered right back with a 25 yard TD pass from Lisa Harlow to Gillian Leblanc (Jelly). Mullett missed as the wind carried the ball left of the post. The Afterburn Storm came right back to score again on a Harlow – Boyles 15 yard pass with Mullet converting to lead 27-7. Jen Brown ended the half with a Storm interception.

The third quarter the teams traded interceptions with Jen Brown getting her second of the game. Trina Graves, Robin Richardson and Merab Klein combined for a sack.

In the fourth Boyles again went 40 yards and Mullett pounded another over the bar to finish the scoring 34-7.

Thanks to all who came out and celebrated our 10th season kick off.

Strength in game:   Special teams – gave us field position

Weakness:  second quarter breakdown for second week

Next week:  away at Gladiators – who lost to Moncton Vipers last weekend 17-13

Expectations :  close game with contain focus on defense and controlling the ball on offense

“The rookies have been playing big and growing in confidence,” commented Storm coach Larry Harlow.

POST GAME RECAP FROM HALIFAX XPLOSION:

The Xplosion offense made great strides this week in helping Halifax move closer towards its goal of winning this year’s SupHer Bowl.  The Xplosion’s depth at running back seemed to catch the St. John Storm off guard, as Michelle McLeod and Dianne Ikeda took turns making defenders miss and racking up big yards en route to a season’s best rushing performance for the Xplosion.  In addition, quarterback Ashley Howatt seems to have found her mark, spreading around the ball for multiple receptions including a big second quarter touchdown pass to Leah Wofsy.

On Defense, All-star Linebacker Dianne Ikeda led the team in tackles, helping to bring down Storm players no less than 11 times.  She was joined in the tackle-fest by the fearless safety-turned-linebacker, Emily Armsworthy, whose constant blitzing threw off the Storm backers and contributed to yet another 9 tackles.  The confusion caused by the aggressive blitzing of the Xplosion linebackers in the second half was devastating and ultimately led to two big second half plays: an interception by free safety Lindsay Bennett and a sack/fumble by the ever persistent and consistent veteran outside linebacker, Terry Smith-Fraser.